Current Affairs 27 April 2021 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 27 April 2021 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
- Project DANTAK
- DRDO develops Single Crystal Blades for helicopter engine application
- Ladakh Ignited Minds
Project DANTAK
Why in News ?
Project DANTAK is commemorating its Diamond Jubilee in Bhutan.
Key Notes
- Project DANTAK was established on April 24, 1961 as a result of the visionary leadership between India and Bhutan.
- spurring the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan, DANTAK was tasked to construct the pioneering motorable roads in the Kingdom.
- DANTAK completed the road connecting Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang in 1968.
- In the same year, Thimphu was connected to Phuentsholing by DANTAK.
- Many Bhutanese had also volunteered to work with DANTAK.
- Notable projects executed by the project include the construction of Paro Airport, Yonphula Airfield, Thimphu – Trashigang Highway, Telecommunication & Hydro Power Infrastructure, Sherubtse College, Kanglung and India House Estate.
Project has completed approximately 1600 km of blacktopped roads and 120 km of tracks in Bhutan with 5000 meters of bridges over them.
India Bhutan Relation
- August 8, 1949 Bhutan and India signed the Treaty of Friendship, calling for peace between the two nations and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
- Treaty also established free trade and extradition protocols.
- But Bhutan agreed a consultative discussion with India for their foreign policy.
- India re-negotiated the 1949 treaty with Bhutan and signed a new treaty of friendship in 2007.
- The new treaty replaced the provision requiring Bhutan to take India’s guidance on foreign policy with broader sovereignty and not require Bhutan to obtain India’s permission over arms imports.
- India’s budgetary support to the Kingdom country stood at US$600 million in 2012-13.
- Rose over the years to reach US$985 million (₹61.60 billion) in 2015–16.
Source : PIB
GS II : India and its neighbourhood- relations
DRDO develops Single Crystal Blades for helicopter engine application
Why in News ?
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed single crystal blades technology and supplied 60 of these blades to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of their indigenous helicopter development program for helicopter engine application.
Key Facts
- It is part of a program by Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL) to develop five sets (300 in number) of single crystal high pressure turbine (HPT) blades using a nickel-based super alloy.
Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory
It is a research laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation.It is responsible for the development and manufacture of complex metals and materials required for modern warfare and weapon systems.
- The supply of remaining four sets will be completed in due course.
- Single Crystal Blades having complex shape and geometry, manufactured out of Nickel based superalloys capable of withstanding high temperatures of operation are used.
- Since these helicopter are used on startegic and defence application that required compact and powerful aero-engines for their reliable operation at extreme conditions.
- Importance
- Very few countries in the world such as USA, UK, France and Russia have the capability to design and manufacture such Single Crystal (SX) components.
Defence Research and Development Organisation
- DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence formed in 1958.
- The vision of DRDO is to
- Empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies.
- Achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems.
- Equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems.
- Also to equipment with requirements of three various Services.
- Develop infrastructure and committed quality manpower.
- Build strong indigenous technology base with high quality technological advancement.
- DRDO is a network of more than 50 laboratories.
Source : PIB
GS III : Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology
Ladakh Ignited Minds
Why in News ?
As part of the Indian Army’s sustained initiative to secure a better future for Ladakhi youth, the Leh based Corps of Indian Army, signed an MoU with corporate partner Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
Key Facts
- The project Ladakh Ignited Minds is a Centre of Excellence and Wellness has been conceptualised to secure a better future for the youth of UT of Ladakh
- It is a full-time residential program to mentor and guide them for a period of twelve months for entrance examinations of various Medical and Engineering Colleges spread across in India.
- The program under the aegis of Indian Army will be executed by Kanpur based NGO, National Integrity & Educational Development Organisation (NIEDO).
- Army would oversee the overall operations to include administration and logistics with requisite funding support through Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
Source : PIB
GS II : Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.
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